Trail Report: November 17th 2002

By the time the players had reached the Alkimos and Mik started doing "heel clickers" over the dune jump, JAW has realised he's put the dead flat batteries in the camera instead of the fully charged ones. "We have to go back, what would our audiences think with no pictures?"

It was good they did, while Rob and Mik were waiting at the start line Tim426 and Andy stop by on their way back from a ride. "Sure we can't tempt you for another Alkimos run?" "Yeah, lets go, I've been waiting to get a ride in with you guys" Tim426 says.

JAW leads a steady but fast pace out to Alkimos, keeping an eye back on how the new players are coping. No worries, these guys must have done it all before.

Just past the time trial and JAW has to pause for a while, lost them. Doubling back it seems Tim426 had come unstuck. No injury, but the bike has taken a beating. Right hand radiator is bent back (but no leaks), a hose has half twisted off its clamp and the radiator side panel cover has a lovely white crease in that pretty blue Yammy plastic. Tim426 looks a bit sad, but hey, "if you aren't falling off you aren't riding hard enough" Mik always says.

Tim426 is awarded an honary Stack of the Day with a special mention for not holding back on his, previously, shiny new steed.

The newcomers head home and Wolfies Agility Course gets the nod.

The course is always tricky. Mik likes it because its a slow tricky. JAW likes it because it's challenging for a heavy thumper. Rob likes it because on the YZ he can make it ;) Some parts rarely get touched because 4x4s can't do it and most bikes wouldn't...

JAW has a few mental blanks remembering the way and there is a bit of stop starting and doubling back. The course is completed and the usual tanks stop for a rest and some glucose refuel is on.

On the trip back from Yanchep the players opt for the standard simple track. Much to their suprise, they come across three one horsepower 4 legged riders, unusual for that track. Mik does the right thing and pulls over, kills the engine. Rob and JAW follow suit. It's a good thing, by and large motorbike riders are almost considered criminals, undoubtably because of the few antisocial ones that roost picnic goers and the like. Perhaps by extending such courtesys to our fellow four legged riders we can help lift the image of the game.

Mik and JAW by this stage have decided that Rob gets Rider of the Day. Since taking to the tracks with his lightweight two stroker, not only is he totally addicted, but he's pretty hard to keep up with. After two Rob's Eglington Hill runs on the day, Mik and JAW struggled to even stay on the bike just trying to keep up.

By the time the players had returned to the start line to put Robs bike back on the trailer, JAW is already on reserve fuel and tired. "It's going to take me at least until Wednesday to recover from this." Rob is still smiling, the addiction runs deep - beyond the borders of physical exertion and rational reasoning. "Rob Zombie" JAW exclaims.